Raps Coverage: Three Game Slide

 Game 47 – Milwaukee (L 116-110 / 13-34 / streak L10) Friday January 27, 2011

Watched first half

This loss marks the first time the Raps have lost ten in a row since 2006. The Bucks are last in the league in scoring but get 25 more points than their season average of 91, against weak Raptors defense. Amir Johnson leads the Raptors with 24 and 12. Poor helpside and  team defense repeatedly cost the Raps points around the basket and allowed Bucks to get to the rim. With 2.8 left in regulation and the score tied, Triano draws up the play for a fading Bargnani jumper that was a prayer and literally a “longshot.” DeMar has an unreal reverse layin to keep the game close in overtime but the Raps fall. Corey Maggette finishes with 29 and 11 and hits the lucky bounce on a three-pointer at the end of overtime.

Game 48 – @ Minnesota (L 103-87 / 13-35 / streak L11) Saturday January 28, 2011

Watched a couple minutes

DeMar DeRozan has improved his scoring by 6.9 points this season, which is the most among NBA sophomore players. Kevin Love seems to be doing it all this season and hopes NBA coaches will notice his efforts and reward him with an All-Star berth (he certainly has the numbers). He finishes this game with 21 and 12 for his 42^nd double-double (33^rd straight) of the season and even hits a three-pointer. Both teams have struggled to win this year, but only Toronto struggled today.

http://www.slamonline.com/online/news-rumors/other-news/2011/01/numbrs-kevin-loves-all-star-campaign/ 

Game 49 – @ Indiana (L 104-93 / 13-36 / streak L12) Monday January 31, 2011

Watched the whole game

Lost 12 straight now which is the most since the season before the Raptors drafted Chris Bosh, but the most ever was 17 in a row in 97-98. At 13 and 35 it’s hard to believe the optimism of 13 and 24 before this losing streak, were we ever optimistic? Surely not now. Poor transition defense, stagnant sequences on offense, inability to set up consistently into offensive schemes, poor efforts on defense and rebounding and simply getting outhustled led to a tough game. Box out! Wish we had Roy Hibbert whom we traded for Jermaine O’Neal back when we were trying to eke into the playoffs to please Chris Bosh. The Pacers seem collected despite this being their first game after the firing of coach Jim O’Brien after a 17-27 start, which is four games better than the Raptors. The Raps go on a 13-0 run (to bring it within 7) near the end of the first half sparked by Ed Davis’ offense, hustle, rebounding and energy. With five minutes left in the third the Raptors big men let up about five straight offensive rebounds and are absolutely bullied down low by Granger and Hibbert. When Bargnani makes a ‘strong’ drive to the basket, how strong is it really? I think opposing teams have the Raptors figured out; take Bargnani out of the equation and pressure the defense and Toronto will crack. I’m afraid that Triano doesn’t have plan B. I also fear that if the Raps players haven’t “given up the season” yet, they soon will and it’s already so ugly I wouldn’t want to see them when the players stop caring. Triano’s getting frustrated, hopefully he can yell some sense into his team.

 "We need to develop some new offensive tactics"

Kobe Bryant Watch 2

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar	1,560	15,837	6,712	24.6	38,387
2. Karl Malone	1,476	13,528	9,787	25.0	36,928
3. Michael Jordan	1,072	12,192	7,327	30.1	32,292
4. Wilt Chamberlain	1,045	12,681	6,057	30.1	31,419
5. Shaquille O'Neal	1,204	11,326	5,934	23.7	28,587
6. Moses Malone	1,329	9,435	8,531	20.6	27,409
7. Elvin Hayes	1,303	10,976	5,356	21.0	27,313
8. Kobe Bryant	1,068	9,388	6,833	25.3	26,972
9. Hakeem Olajuwon	1,238	10,749	5,423	21.8	26,946

What the NBA really needs more of...

toilet bowls!
...those sweet spinning shots that seem to wind their way around the rim forever before finally dropping through. Is it just me, it seems like it used to happen far more often than it does now. It happened last night in a big way for Earl Boykins the 5'5" Milwaukee Bucks guard, watch it and hope for more!
http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Video-Earl-Boykins-shot-goes-around-and-aroun?urn=nba-313381

All-Star and 360 Logo

Today the NBA All-Star starting lineups were announced for the Eastern and Western conferences.
EAST
PG Derek Rose
SG Dwyane Wade
SF LeBron James
PF Amaré Stoudemire
C Dwight Howard

Who would I like to see - Al Horford, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Rondo, Bosh, Shaq

WEST
PG Chris Paul
SG Kobe Bryant
SF Carmelo Anthony
PF Kevin Durant
C Yao Ming?

Who would I like to see - Pau, Kevin Love, Deron Williams, Blake Griffin, Duncan, Dirk, Manu

AAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNDDDDDDDDD my debut of the new official logo,

Raptors Coverage: Jan 27, Philadelphia

Game 46 – Philadelphia (L 107-94 / 13-33 / streak L9) Wednesday January 26, 2011

Didn’t watch

I was with my other lover tonight. Covering the 14-0 Carleton Ravens, the top ranked CIS team, it’s easy to forget about the Raptors and all the headaches they give me/ us/ the world. In this game the Raptors lose yet again and extend their losing streak to nine games. They have not won since January 9, and have not been able to give their home fans 100-point pizza since January 12.

As a team the Raps were outrebounded 43-33 including 17-9 on the offensive glass, and Philadelphia used these second chance opportunities to close out the game in the second half. Toronto also struggled to move the ball with a total of 19 assists compared to the 76ers 28 assists. The Raps main problem this game, however, was the lack of bench contribution as the Toronto bench was outscored 58-17, primarily by Speights who finished with 23 points and nine rebounds.

The Raptors were without Kleiza, Barbosa, and Dorsey (and Reggie), and Sundiata Gaines was not back, but D-League leading scorer Trey Johnson has been called up in his place by the Raptors, who also acquired Alexis Ajinca. Youthful optimism aside, DeMar DeRozan finished the game with 29 points (11-12 FTs) and is starting to become really consistent and a legitimate NBA scorer so that the Raps don’t have to always rely on the shaky prospect of Bargnani (17 points) leading the team on offense every game. Jose Calderon finishes with 13 assists and eight points, but even the return of Sonny Weems couldn’t stop the 76ers from keying in on Bargs and DMDR and shutting down the Raptors imbalanced offense. Even though the Raptors bring it within 8 points in the final minute, it’s too little too late.

Raptors Coverage: Jan 24, Memphis

Game 45 – Memphis (L 100-98 / 13-32 / streak L7) Monday January 24, 2011

Watched first three quarters

The Raptors lost something tonight more valuable than a midseason game between two lottery-bound teams. By going 0-13 from three-point range the Raptors ended what has been an NBA record 986 straight games with at least one three-pointer. That’s over twelve years worth of full NBA seasons and the Raptors have always been able to make at least one until tonight. This team record will not be touched for some time, but it was one thing that we had that we could really say that we were the best at. It would also have been nice to see the record pass the 1000 games milestone, yet the Raptors fall just 14 games short. They also lose this game. The ending of the game is reminiscent to the Grizzlies-Heat game from earlier this season where Gay hit a running, fading two-pointer over LeBron for the win. This game-winner, however, was not at home and it was over Julian Wright but no less amazing. Not only that but he blocks Sundiata Gaines at the end of the game. Rudy Gay sinks the hearts of Raptor fans, who know they could have drafted him in the 2007 draft with the first pick, rather than Andrea Bargnani. It’s a toss-up, Gay had 21 and 7, while Bargnani had 29 and 5. DeMar DeRozan almost recorded his first career double-double with 25 points and 9 rebounds, while Zach Randolph finished with 17 and 12 for his eleventh straight. Jarryd Bayless had 15 points and 11 assists in a decent game as starting point guard, but the Grizzlies balanced scoring and Gay’s clutch mentality secured the win. The Raptors try to break their longest losing streak since 2006 when they welcome Philadelphia to the ACC on Wednesday night.

NBA.com link http://www.nba.com/games/20110124/MEMTOR/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp0021000656#nbaGIboxscore

Raptors Coverage: Jan 22, @ Miami

Game 44 - @ Miami (L 120-103 / 13-30 / streak L7) Saturday January 22, 2011

Didn’t watch

Without Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade the Heat rocked the Raptors to end their own four game losing streak and extend the Raptors streak to seven. The Heat fired up fast to a twenty-six point halftime lead and cruised from there. Raptors games like this never seem even close, yet Bargnani had 28 points, DeMar had 30, and Jose had 14 points and 13 assists. Despite well-played games from Toronto’s star players it was LeBron James, with 38, 11, and 6, and Mike Miller who took over the game. Miller sparked a 22-point individual effort in the second quarter and finished with 32 points and 10 rebounds in his first ‘real’ home game of the season. It was actually within seven points in the fourth quarter until Mario Chalmers drops Jose Calderon off at school for the day with the quick jab-step, before draining the open three-pointer, in one of the best ankle-breaker moments in recent memory (link below). Ultimately the Heat prevail and the Raptors come home looking to turn things around in a 3-game homestand against Memphis, Philadelphia and Milwaukee, in what has been a 2-win, 10-loss 2011 so far.

http://www.nba.com/games/20110122/TORMIA/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp0021000643#nbaGIboxscore 

"Happier than he's ever been" - Assumed

Raptors Coverage: Jan 21, @ Orlando

 Game 43 - @ Orlando (L 112 – 72 / 13-29 / streak L6) Friday January 21, 2011

Watched ten minutes

The Raptors go into Orlando searching for an end to a five game losing streak while the Magic are trying to keep their home win streak alive. Dwight Howard always plays monstrous games against the Toronto Raptors especially with Bargnani and Amir trying to guard him. Dwight threw down a dunk or two and the Magic played their game, getting the ball inside to Dwight who would simply take it up for the easy lay-in or dish it back out for one of the many Magic three-point specialists. In any case, the Raptors hung around with good ball movement, unselfish team play, tenacity and always attacking on offense and the fast break.

Ultimately, Dwight finished with 31 and 19 and the Magic blew out the Raptors by forty points. There would be no revenge on Turkoglu this night as he finished with a casual six points, six rebounds in Orlando's decisive victory. The Magic demolished the Raptors in the fourth quarter 39-15, and sealed the win at home. The Raptors move on the face the other Florida fun factory when they take their talents to South Beach on Saturday and play the Chris Bosh-less Miami Heat.

Ps. DeMar DeRozan has been inserted into the lineup for the 2011 NBA all-star dunk contest in LA. Be sure to check out his dunk portfolio on YouTube if you don’t already know about last year’s dunk contest runner-up.

Kobe Bryant Watch e2

With half the season gone, Kobe Bryant has scored 1123 points which ranks him first overall for total points this NBA season. He now has a career 26, 913 points and is only 33 points shy of moving into eighth place on the all-time NBA leading scorers list.
     Bryant started the season 13th on the list of all-time scorers and has since passed John Havlicek, Dominique Wilkins, Oscar Robertson, and approaches Hakeem Olajuwon. At Bryant's current pace of 25.0 points per game over the Lakers remaining 37 games, he would finish the regular season with 925 more points for a total of 27, 838.
     That milestone would place Kobe definitively in sixth place and only 744 points shy of Shaquille O'Neal. It will be an historic season if Kobe can move from 13th to 6th all-time in total NBA points, and he will continue to move up the all-time ladder in seasons to come.
Keep watching, I will be...
Devin Gray

Raptors Coverage: Jan 19, @ San Antonio

Game 42 - @ San Antonio (L 104-95/ 13-28 / streak L5) Wednesday January 19, 2011

Watched whole game

The Raptors played very well in this game and surprised the Spurs, nearly upsetting the top team in the NBA, but ultimately coming up short. Up against the toughest team in the league 41 games (halfway) through the season, the Spurs have a secret to their success; consistency. All of the Spurs starting five players have not only played in every game, but started every game so far this season. In contrast, the Raptors have been forced to utilize 15 different starting lineups so far this season, a combination of injury and inconsistency. The Spurs are a refocused team this season and it seems like speculation that the Spurs dynasty is declining have been taken seriously by the “big three.” Manu and Tony took the summer off from the world championships, and Duncan’s days playing for any color other than black and silver are over. They come into the contest a league best 37 – 6, and are on pace for literally the best record ever, Jordan’s biblical 70 win season with the Bulls.

In this game, the Raptors do it all with what they have and match up well with the Spurs. They do everything they need to get an early start and a lead in this game. It’s not that the Raptors are good at playing with an early lead, it’s just that they’re so bad playing without an early lead. Without an early lead the team can tend to slip into the losing mentality, but even if they do get that early lead, turnovers, points in the paint, and overall rebounds usually sink the Raptors as they do this night while the Raptors concede the lead after the 57 point mark. DeRozan explodes for twenty points in the first half, but is held to eight in the second half. Bargnani again had an off game and shot 6-20 for 14 points. Dujuan Blair finishes with 22 points and 11 rebounds, Manu Ginobili also scores 23 points including 14-14 free throws, McDyess throws down some youthful jams, and the San Antonio machine keeps on winning. The Raptors were within six points with just over two minutes left until George Hill took care of business with a dagger three-pointer to go up 100-93 and seal the deal. The Raptors move on to face Orlando and Miami in a Florida ‘vacation,’ as they attempt to steal a win and end their five game losing streak.

ps. Big News NBA Dunk Contest 2010 redemption, DeMar DeRozan confirmed 2011 participant. Takes the place of injured Brandon Jennings http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2011/01/19/jennings-grounded-from-slam-dunk/?ls=iref:nbahpt1

Charles Barkley Profile

“Sir” Charles Barkley

by Devin Gray

“Chuck Wagon”

“Crisco Kid”

“The Round Mound of Rebound”

Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets – 16 Years, 1073 games

6’4” – 292 lb – 22.1 pts – 11.7 reb – 3.9 ast – 1.54 stl - .541 fg%

SLAM #130 “The New Top 50” June 2009 Ranking: 20

“Book of Basketball”- Bill Simmons’ Ranking: 19

Charles Barkley demanded respect. Barkley was used to being an undersized player and had adapted his game perfectly as an undersized high school forward who grew from 5’10” to 6’4” between his junior year and senior year. As a player of undersized stature, he played beyond his height and established a remarkable career NBA rebounding average of 11.7 and holds the record for offensive rebounds in a half (13) and in a quarter (11).  As he filled out, pudge became muscle and Charles established himself as a prospect with professional potential. Suddenly, he was a massive, all-star forward and could propel his gigantic frame with explosive guard-like skills. Barkley however wasn’t a genetic freak blessed with speed, height or grace, and was an unconventional build for professional basketball. He became the “Round Mound of Rebound” and a college celebrity at Auburn, finishing after his junior year. He declared for the NBA draft and was taken fifth overall in the legendary 1984 draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.

He faced a tough reputation as lazy, not taking advantage of his potential, a bad attitude, and a coach’s nightmare. He learned work ethic and perseverance from veteran 76er teammates Moses Malone and Julius Erving, both however retired from the team when Barkley was only twenty-four. He took over the team as a power forward in a small forward’s body, with guard instincts and the mad desire to rebound, a rare combination of NBA level talents. A combination of power and finesse he was never completely in shape, yet nobody wanted to step in front of him when he had pumped up a head of steam, charging the length of the floor after grabbing the defensive rebound.

He was one of the NBA’s brightest and most marketable stars in the NBA’s golden age of the nineties with his “Sir Charles” personality and charisma. He was an honest celebrity, he was Force to MJ’s Flight, and his role as the anti-hero and the anti-Jordan, in a playful ‘Space Jam/ Dream Team’ kind of way, endeared him to many fans. Charles never won an NBA championship, but neither did many of the greatest players of all time who were unfortunate enough to play in the early nineties- against the Chicago Bulls dynasty.

A Hall-of-Famer, he once averaged 28.3 points, 58.7% field goals, and 11.9 rebounds in 87-88, made 15 field goals in one playoff half, and ranks in the top twenty all-time in points, steals and rebounds. He achieved eighteen career triple-doubles, won NBA MVP for the 1992-1993 season with the Phoenix Suns, and became only the second player to accumulate 23,000 points, 12,000 rebounds and 4000 assists in his career. At the age of 47, Charles is now an analyst/ commentator for TNT, where he is the victim of fat jokes nightly, but takes them with grace and dignity.

Charles Barkley “Original” Detroit Malace in the Palace Brawl http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxTccIZYPT8

Against the 90s “bad boy” Pistons, who have a tough reputation, the 76ers are trying to clinch the Atlantic Division title. With 14.3 seconds remaining there is a series of confrontations which escalate into a brawl in Detroit. Charles Barkley has the neck of his Jersey stretched, goes after a fan and many players are ejected. It's seriously like deja vu.

Raptors Coverage: Jan 17, @ New Orleans

Game 41 - @ New Orleans (L 85-81 / +- 13-28 / streak L4) Monday January 17, 2011

Watched the whole game

This was a big one for me, not just because the Raptors could desperately use the morale-booster that a tough road victory would provide, before clashing with San Antonio, Orlando and Miami consecutively following this game. It was also a big game for me because my girlfriend is inexplicably a Hornets (specifically Chris Paul) fan, and deliberately anti-Raptor in any way. She mocks me.

In this game the Raptors fall short and kind of let me down on both accounts, but they put up a valiant effort with the roster given and ultimately lose a tilt that could have swung either way in the final minute. Without Barbosa, Kleiza, and Bayless, and no-shows Peja Stojakovic, Reggie Evans and Sonny Weems, the Raptors were significantly short-handed once again. But enough excuses, the Raptors played a pretty good team game lead with 23 points from 'potential' Most Improved Player of the Year award DeMar DeRozan, but were buried by sporratic efforts by José Calderon and Andrea Bargnani. Calderon finished with a tasty 13 assists, yet was held off the scoresheet entirely (0 pts) by Chris Paul (6 pts, 11 ast) and former Raptor teammate / PG rival Jarret Jack (17 pts, 3 ast). Bargnani (4-17 for 11 points) was beat on defense and on the boards by the dominating efforts of a true bigman, Emeka Okafor, who finished with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Several Raptors weaknesses are exposed, but the game could also be blamed on the aweful officiating at the end of the game. To their credit, the officials they tried to be fair and review some calls, but I felt cheated as though the calls were biased Anti-Raptor (and even my Hornets Fan/ Girlfriend agreed). I try not to make excuses, the Hornets earned this win, but the Raptors put in a tough effort and unfortunately lose footing on the first step towards a long losing streak. The future looks bleak, but the optimism is always building. Someday.

 Martin Luther "Bernard" King Jr.

January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968

Raptors Coverage: Jan 14/15 Weekend

 Game 39 – Detroit (L 101-95/ +- 13-26) Friday January 14, 2011

Didn’t watch

I really believe all the injuries and line-up shake-ups have hurt the Raptors team chemistry and morale. How can they build on anything when they don’t know who will be available on any given night, and therefore how can they be consistent? We could use Rip Hamilton… who sat out for no good reason for the Pistons. DeMar got up early, and Bargnani finished with 31 and 9 but it was once again a vintage T-Mac that powered the Pistons with 22 points and the win in the ACC. Barbosa injured his hamstring and was literally carried from the floor by two men in suits. Even Charlie V and Ben Gordon were playing well and all seemed good for the Pistons, yet they appeared to be a team in turmoil. Lots of different players, with different talents, at different points in their playing careers, and not a lot of direction. At least the rumor mill doesn’t swirl this hard in Raptorland, and hey, we have young players and optimism! Next game tomorrow against a younger team with even more optimism, Washington.

Game 40 - @Washington (L 98-95/ +- 13-27) Saturday January 15, 2011

Watched second half

For some odd reason, the Raptors waited this long to bust out their Black alternate jerseys this season and wore them proudly this night on the road in Washington. The shorts look different to me, but that could be just me? Lots of end-to-end action by quick young legs on both teams. The Raptors having trouble rebounding and protecting against second-chance opportunities in the painted area. They fail to contain “known offensive threat” Nick Young who scored 43 the other night, knocks down 18 in the third quarter and 27 in the game. Sundiata Gaines almost had another “moment” with a buzzer-beating three at the end of the third quarter, but it was disallowed upon review. The defense was just horrid for stretches that I watched including an atrocious example of why Bargnani is not an NBA-level defender, as Yi Jianlian outpaces him the entire length of the court (link below). In the closing seconds, Blatch hits two free throws to round out his double-double, and the Raps miss a flailing desperation 3 and the end buzzer and fall short. Next game is Monday at New Orleans for MLK day.

http://www.slamonline.com/online/media/slam-tv/2011/01/video-yi-jianlian-goes-coast-to-coast/ 

Raptors Coverage: Jan 12, Atlanta

 Game 38 – Atlanta (L 104-101 / +- 13-25) Wednesday January 12, 2011

Watched about 80%

Raptors Heartbreaker. Who wants to read an article with that title. Not a Raptors fan, not any disgruntled Toronto-area man so accustomed to mediocrity that he scans the lines just to see that overarching theme of failure pinpointed to one moment of the season, no, most people would just push their plate away. It provides for him one person, player, or scenario to express his frustrations over a much larger part of the season and this franchise’s progression. Yet, as it fades he knows he will find another moment, another player, another tangible bit of evidence that will explain to him once and for all ‘what is wrong with the Raptors?’ But as he does, he relaxes, untenses himself and even laughs, it will happen again won’t it?… such is the dilemma when rooting for a team that you don’t believe in, and in a basketball culture not built around the mentality of winning.

But I digress, the Raptors do indeed come up short in this one, losing a heartbreaker at home to the Hawks. It was a good, exciting game and DeRozan started the game well with a nice reverse dunk. Barbosa played well with 26 points and some sweet drives. Bargnani played well and had a huge three-pointer that I could hear live through the phone while talking to my Dad who was at the game. Up by two, with one minute to go, the Raptors are unable to maintain the lead. Off an inbounds pass Mike Bibby hits a three-pointer to go up 102-101 with eight seconds remaining. Timeout called, let’s see what Triano draws up here in the clutch, for the win (I’m thinking Bargnani), but nooooooo Calderon drives it all the way to the net, trips over himself and flails against the defender in an effort to draw a foul, as he falls the ball lands on his back and he slides out of bounds. Game over. Jamal Crawford proved to be the x-factor for the Hawks putting up 36 points to drown the Raptors who couldn’t seem to stop him. Next up for the Raptors is at home Friday against Detroit.

ps Happy News in Raptorland, the Raps sign Sundiata "The Miracle" Gaines to a 10-day contract. Check out the "Miracle" d-league call up in a Raptor uniform as early as Friday against Detroit, but first check out the reason for his nicname below (and the game link)

Gaines Story: http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/20110113/9293/raptors-sign-gaines-10-day-contract 

Gaines Miracle Shot: first game in the NBA, at home, to beat LeBron's Cavaliers - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llArRqrdNcg

NBA.com Raptors v Hawks gamelink: http://www.nba.com/video/games/raptors/2011/01/12/0021000563_atl_tor_recap.nba/index.html

Raptors Coverage: Jan 9, Sacramento

 Game 37 – Sacramento (W 118-112 / +- 13-24) Sunday January 9, 2011

Watched the whole game

A high-scoring affair, the Raptors took it to the Kings in a home game Sunday matinee. The Kings were without Tyreke Evans who rolled his ankle in his last outing, so it was Toronto’s super sophomore who came through with 28 points (his season high at home). Bargnani also played well and added 30 points of his own for a season-high 58 points for Toronto’s leading duo. Bargnani had a very telling series of possessions to end the first half, where he ended up in the right place at the right time for an easy dunk, then failed to get back on defense to block an easy Dalembert dunk. Kleiza had a big LeBron-like jam where he barreled in from the three-point line. With one minute remaining in the game the score was a close 110-109 lead for Toronto when Bargnani seals it with a high three-pointer. Raptors get an easy, but well-earned win.

NBA.com link: http://www.nba.com/video/games/raptors/2011/01/09/0021000544_sac_tor_recap.nba/index.html

Kobe Bryant Watch

This has been a season of milestones for Kobe who soldiers on setting records and passing the all-time greats. Starting the season in 14th all-time in total NBA points, Kobe has now moved into 9th place with a basket last night bumping him above Big "O" Oscar Robertson.

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar	1,560	15,837	6,712	24.6	38,387
2. Karl Malone	1,476	13,528	9,787	25.0	36,928
3. Michael Jordan	1,072	12,192	7,327	30.1	32,292
4. Wilt Chamberlain	1,045	12,681	6,057	30.1	31,419
5. Shaquille O'Neal	1,197	11,299	5,922	23.8	28,521
6. Moses Malone	1,329	9,435	8,531	20.6	27,409
7. Elvin Hayes	1,303	10,976	5,356	21.0	27,313
8. Hakeem Olajuwon	1,238	10,749	5,423	21.8	26,946
9. Kobe Bryant	1,058	9,297	6,773	25.3	26,720
10. Oscar Robertson	1,040	9,508	7,694	25.7	26,710

Raptors Coverage: Jan 7, @ Boston

Game 36 - @ Boston (L 122-102 / +- 12-24) Friday January 7, 2011

Didn’t watch

I was at Carleton covering Ravens vs Ryerson Rams. It was a similar blowout. Where the Carleton team looked like seasoned veterans, grilled to perfection by an excellent basketball program and coach, the Ryerson team looked young, raw, inexperienced and underprepared to take on a team of the Ravens’ magnitude. Similarily the Celtics simply outclass their division “rivals” the Toronto Raptors on many levels (on-court, coaching, front office, basketball culture). This game was a predictable blowout for the Celtics who cruised to their 3000^th franchise win, joining the Lakers above the milestone. Ed Davis had a nice dunk on Jermaine O’Neal, Rondo continued his stellar play, Shaq reached down an alley-oop or two from the lowest shelf, and Boston lead by 22 at halftime. Luke Harangody finished with an ungodly 17 and 11, Pierce matched DeRozan with a game high twenty points each. Also, remember the Celtics are without Garnett so the Raptors can’t exactly blame injuries. They’re slipping… will they make it to my predicted 27 wins?

Raptors Coverage: Jan 5, @ Cleveland

Game 35 - @ Cleveland (W 120-105 / +- 12-23) Wednesday January 5, 2011

Should’ve watched

This game coincided with the Gold Medal game for the World Junior Hockey Championships. Canada vs Russia and the team blew a 3-0 lead in the third period to lose 5-3. Soooo shitty. Meanwhile the Raps were doing their thing, beating up on the emotionally damaged Cavaliers (move on already, we did with Bosh…). The Cavs are trying to prevent an 8-game skid, and the Raptors are no better. Calderon returns after one game off with 20 and 17 assists. Julian Wright had a solid game, DeRozan played strong and came back even stronger after hitting his head on the hardwood, with 9 of his 13 in the final frame. Raps get a much-needed win.

Raptors Coverage: Jan 4, @ Chicago

 Game 34 - @ Chicago (L 111-91/ +- 11-23) Tuesday January 4, 2011

Didn’t Watch

Toronto lost 11 of last 14, and when they narrow a 24 point lead to 11 points and everybody gets excited, you know there’s something wrong with the Raptors. I predicted Rose would go for 32 and 9 in this game as he could get whatever he wanted around Toronto’s notoriously generous “defensive” point guards. He ended up with 19 and 6 because this one was such a laugher he simply rested himself once the win was in hand. Luol Deng had a strong game with 24 and 4, and Boozer racked up an easy double-double. Even with the return of Bargnani, who had 23 and 6, couldn’t rally the Raptors who lose another one.

Raptors Coverage: Jan 2, Boston

 Game 33 – Boston (L 93-79 / +- 11-22) Sunday January 2, 2011

Went down to the ACC, watched live

The crowd at the ACC were noteably apprehensive about this game. After Boston’s semi-toned introduction was littered with applause from the Toronto Celtic faithful, the Raptors starting lineup paled. Joey Dorsey on Shaq? He looks even bigger in real life, as we sat so close (and yet so far) eighteen rows from Shamrock and the rest of the Boston All-Stars. Even Rajon Rondo was nice enough to grace us with an appearance after sitting out the previous 7 contests with a sprained ankle, and he returned to vintage form even though he took frequent breaks. Toronto’s injury corral was not so lucky, with the end of the bench looking poised for a mob hit rather than an NBA game. You really notice at the game how many Raptors are sitting in suits, Bargnani, Weems, Bayless, Stojacovic, and Reggie (unfortunately nowhere to be seen). The game was an exciting one though filled with classic plays and highlights from the best of both teams. DeRozan lit up the scoreboard with hard work, and smooth jumpers for 26 points, including a steal that lead to a breakaway dunk, and a fast break alley-oop conversion that could have been lobbed a couple feet higher and he still would have been able to grab it. Still, Pierce finished with a “silent, but deadly” 30 (even his highlight dunk over Toronto’s entire backcourt was understated, Ray Allen had 23, (KG was out), and the Celtics distanced themselves when it mattered. It was remarkable the Raps were even in the game at all, trailing by 5 with four minutes remaining despite shooting 38% from the floor, 7% from deep, and merely 45% from the charity stripe. All-in-all a great experience and a wonderful opportunity to check out the Raptors live, and also witness some of the all-time greats before it’s too late.